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By Kalen | Published October 17, 2018

The word on the street when it comes to housing is that the national market may have peaked and is starting to cool down a bit. At the same time, according to one national article on CNBC’s “Realty Check,” it’s important to follow all the facts as inventory, price point and location each play key roles. IN THEIR WORDS: “The housing recovery isn’t over, it just feels like it…”

Following a period of substantial growth, it is a great time to reflect on the local housing market – where strong demographics (the region grew 1.8 percent to 645,911 residents in 2017) and a sizzling labor market (2.5 percent unemployment rate) factor in. Let’s assess our Des Moines Metro housing statistics and see if you agree?

As of October 1, 2018, there were a total of 2,473 active homes on the Des Moines-area market, and the inventory of single-family homes has grown. That’s compared with 2,064 single-family homes listed for sale in October 2017, equating or close to a 20 percent increase year over year. Total inventory, however, is still low at 3.3 months as homes with affordable entry-level price points are still selling quickly even as prices increase.

In terms of new construction, the total number of active homes today stands at 925, compared with 812 homes a year ago and 707 homes two years ago. That translates to a 6.8-months supply, up from a 6-months supply at this time last year. It is very important to note here the different price points of new construction homes as inventory has increased alongside them.

Taking a closer look our current INVENTORY PAGE, it is clear that Ankeny, Bondurant, Granger, Indianola, Pleasant Hill and Van Meter each have a new construction inventory below the 6-month supply line, implying that these are good areas for builders to consider putting up more homes.

It seems a lot of talk around town is that the real estate market is cooling down. There may be a little truth to this, but I don’t see the statistics pointing to any kind of strong recession at this time. The total number of single-family homes sold this year is 7,325, including 1,242 new construction homes. When comparing this to a phenomenal 7,511 total single-family and 1,318 new construction homes sold last year, we can see that this represents only a 2.4 percent decrease in the total number of homes sold year to date.

I would say the numbers point toward a plateau or a peak being reached – not a cliff or complete drop off. The chart, looking at the end of Q3 for the past several years, is a clear indication that 2018 is still greater than every year besides 2017.

The bottom line is that the local market is still seeing significant growth. Des Moines is a hot city on firm footings with a strong outlook. Builders just need to be calculated in their decisions and maintain a healthy expectation that homes may not move quite as fast as they have during the past two or three years.

Looking to stay current on Des Moines’ real estate and new construction market and the local housing economy? Then save the date! Mark your calendar for our 12th Annual Builder and Developer Luncheon, hosted at the Marriott West Des Moines, on March 1, 2019. More info will come!

To view my full Q3 2018 housing statistics, click here. For additional information on the availability of single-family lots and unique ​Central Iowa​ ​housing communities, you can contact me directly at KALEN@PEOPLESCOMPANY.COM.

I am a Residential REALTOR® and Certified New Construction Sales Professional who specializes in helping homebuyers locate a suitable lot, secure a qualified builder, and pick a perfect floor plan to match their unique tastes or personal style. After listening and understanding the needs of my clients, I offer appropriate feedback and credible data that help buyers and seller make informed decisions in regards to real estate transactions. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

By Kalen | Published July 17, 2018

It’s been a scorching summer in the Des Moines Metro! Has the real estate market been hot as well? Read on to get some inside information on how Q2 in the Des Moines Metro stacked up. Total active single family homes as of July 1st is 2,239. This is up just slightly from 2,154 a year ago at this time. Thirty eight percent of the homes on the market are NEW CONSTRUCTION listings. In comparison, at the end of Q1 2018 46.5% of the available inventory was new construction. Total inventory has been low for several years, so this is not a bad thing to have a few more homes listed in our market. A stable market is considered to […]

By Kalen | Published March 01, 2018

With a total of 1,961 active listings of single family homes, translating into a 2.5 months supply, this ​LOW LEVEL of inventory reflects a trend we’ve been tracking over the past five years​,​ and appeared to continue in Q1 2018. Heading into March, there were 1,257 pending sales of single family homes in the Des Moines ​Metro​, or 74 fewer pending sales than a year ago. The ​TOTAL MONTHS SUPPLY – six months is considered to be indicative of a stable market – has hovered around two to three months over the past several years, and continues in that range today. The overall inventory has continued to drop and listings of ​NEW CONSTRUCTION homes are growing. Notably, of the total […]

By Kalen | Published January 19, 2018

Two-thousand-and-seventeen was another BLOCKBUSTER year for the Des Moines Metro housing market as sales of single-family homes in the 18 communities I track reached a record-breaking high of 9,415. INVENTORY in the overall single-family housing category remained low heading into 2018, while the number of total active listings increased slightly to 2,035, compared to 1,910 at the end of 2016 and 2,043 a year prior. New construction made up 1,677, or 18 percent, of the total number of single-family homes sold in 2017, with the SUPPLY AT YEARS-END sitting at 6.7 months. That’s compared to 6.1 months of supply at the end of 2016 and 5.5 months of supply for the year-earlier period. While the price of a NEW HOME […]

By Kalen | Published October 23, 2017

Active listings of single-family Des Moines-area homes fell at the end of Q3 2017 to 2,064, down 4 percent from 2,154 listings on July 1. Fast forwarding to October, what we now see is quite a few new homes going on the market and GROWING INVENTORY in the Des Moines Metro housing market. The total number of single-family homes sold through Q3 2017 is 7,294 existing homes and 1,279 new construction homes. When compared to this time last year, which boasted a phenomenal 7,148 existing homes sold and 1,157 new construction homes sold, the single-family market is POISED TO OUTPACE those figures as we track yet another record-breaking year! As I write, the total number of active NEW CONSTRUCTION homes […]

By Kalen | Published August 04, 2017

The Des Moines Metro housing market continued its boom in Q2 2017 as resales of single-family homes were up and local inventory of new construction fell. The number of total active listings increased to 2,154 single family homes in Q2 – up slightly from the past two quarters and fairly typical for the spring/summer selling season. At the same time, though the total inventory grew and there are more resales on the market, new construction inventory was lower, with 732 active listings in Q2, compared to 781 listings in Q1. Pending new construction numbers are also stronger this quarter, compared to both Q1 2017 and Q2 2016. The total months supply for all single-family homes and for new construction is […]

By Kalen | Published March 03, 2017

With 1,843 active listings of single-family homes, the Des Moines Metro is once again seeing an ALL-TIME LOW in terms of active inventories, and in comparison to previous years. Of these listings, 42 percent are comprised of new construction homes. Overall inventories of residential real estate remain very low as a six-month supply is considered to be a sign of market stability. Today, TOTAL SUPPLY of single-family homes sits at 2.4 months, a slight decrease from 2.6 months as of a year ago. The total number of PENDING SALES of single-family homes stood at 1,331, a year-over-year increase, as pending sales of new homes also rose to include offers on 339 properties, compared with 298 in Q1 2016. Sales of […]

By Kalen | Published January 25, 2017

The state of the Des Moines-area housing market heading into 2017 can be associated with an extremely low inventory of single family dwellings in general, yet a steady uptick in the availability of new construction homes over the past several years. A historic number of 9,277 single-family homes sold last year in the 18 communities I track with new construction comprising 16.3 percent of the total sold for 2016. For comparison, in both 2007 and 2010, 19 percent of total sales in the Des Moines market were tied to the development of new construction homes. The resale market over the past year has been very hot due to a lack of new construction homes being built under a $250,000 price […]

By Kalen | Published October 31, 2016

The Des Moines-area housing market showed further signs of stabilization in Q3 2016 as the total number of homes sold year-to-date reached 7,450­­–up from 6,871 a year ago. That puts the Des Moines Metro on track to achieve another record year. The number of new construction homes sold also increased–to 1,268–compared with 1,097 through Q3 2015. Total inventory has continued to decrease with just 2,210 active single-family homes on the market–a 2.9 months supply as of October 2016–compared to 2,496 a year ago at this time. For further comparison, there were a total of 2,150 single-family homes on the market at the beginning of Q2 2016. The local real estate market overall had a terrific 2016 so far with a […]

By Kalen | Published July 27, 2016

Home sales in the Des Moines Metro are on track to break records this year as local REALTORS belonging to DMAAR have reported a total of 4,524 single-family homes sold as of July 1, 2016. Of those, 719 or 16 percent, are new-construction homes. Inventories of RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE are at an all time low, both locally and nationally. Today, the Des Moines-area has 2,150 single-family homes on the market–A 2.8 MONTHS SUPPLY–compared to 2,418 at the end of June last year. The inventory of new construction, includes 644 single-family homes on the market, which is up by 44 homes over a year-over-year basis. One may think that with the low inventory that buyers have to choose from, this would […]

By Kalen | Published March 07, 2016

Attendees of the Ninth Annual Builder & Developer Luncheon in February were provided with an update on the Des Moines-area new construction housing market and breakdown of lot inventories by city. Follow the links to access to my Q1 2016 presentation slides and complete housing statistics for 2015. Given 2015 was a RECORD YEAR with 8,795 single-family homes sold – compared with 7,935 total homes sold during a very strong market in 2005 – a look back over the past 12 months shows many encouraging signs that 2016 could be another great year for local builders. As of February 2016, the number of total active listings of single-family homes in the Des Moines market stood at 1,942, compared with 2,291 […]

By Kalen | Published February 17, 2016

Here are the slides from the Ninth Annual Builder & Developer Luncheon, presented by Peoples Company and Diligent Development, and my full single-family housing statistics from Q1 2016. Also, for further details on current single-family market statistics in the Des Moines-area, please check back as they will be released on my blog shortly after the information presented at the luncheon! Click here for 9th Annual Builder & Developer Luncheon Slides Click here for Q1 2016 Stats

By Kalen | Published January 18, 2016

Sales of existing homes picked up the pace in 2015, returning Iowa to levels not seen since prior to the recession. It was a historic year with regards to the 8,795 total single-family and 1,456 new construction homes sold in the Des Moines-metro area. Activity is picking up as the housing recovery attracts more buyers in the 18 communities I track on behalf of Peoples Company throughout Greater Des Moines. At the same time, choices are still limited by a lack of available inventory within some buyers’ budgets. As of December 31, there were 2,043 active listings of single-family homes in the Des Moines-metro area, or 301 fewer than the previous year. The inventory of new construction homes increased slightly, as of December […]

By Kalen | Published October 15, 2015

Central Iowa has something for everyone, thanks to job growth and the relatively low cost to get into an existing or new construction single-family home. In this – my Q3 2015 edition of the Des Moines Metro Market Snapshot – I’m presenting ten “Fast Facts” on inventories, price points, hot spots, homebuilders and more. 10 Fast Facts on the NEW CONSTRUCTION MARKET in Des Moines 1. The total inventory of single family units in the 18 Central Iowa communities I track fell by 320 – to 2,496 houses – compared with the year-earlier period. 2. Des Moines-area homebuilders showed no signs of slowing and they were ahead of schedule in the third quarter with 1,746 building permits pulled – as […]

By Kalen | Published July 23, 2015

The Des Moines Metro Market Snapshot is a quarterly report featuring inventories of new construction and existing single-family homes in the 18 communities I track for Peoples Company. My reports cover the residential housing data and statistics presented during Peoples Company’s Annual Builder & Developer Luncheon, and provide updates on the Des Moines-area market throughout the year. The mercury is rising in Greater Des Moines, named as a Top 10 Hot Housing Market by the National Association of Realtors, amid increased levels of pending sales, homes SOLD and room for new construction throughout the region. Sellers are terrifically positioned to take advantage of this HEAT WAVE, fueled over the spring by low inventories – and contributing to higher average sales […]

By Kalen | Published March 20, 2015

The Des Moines Metro Market Snapshot is a quarterly report featuring inventories of new construction and existing single-family homes in the 18 communities I track for Peoples Company. My reports cover the residential housing data and statistics presented during Peoples Company’s Annual Builder & Developer Luncheon, and provide updates on the Des Moines-area market throughout the year. The 2015 Builder & Developer Luncheon, presented by Peoples Company and Diligent Development, walked us through the prior year and provided a look to what’s ahead in for the Des Moines area housing community. My annual presentation is focused on comparing statistics, sharing information and leading a discussion about trends throughout the residential real estate and the new construction home market in Central […]

By admin | Published February 27, 2015

Here are slides from the 8th Annual Builder and Developer Luncheon! Also for further details on Single Family Market Stats please see my Q1 2015 Stats and watch for my blog to come out shortly on these numbers. Click here for Q1 Stats Click here for 8th Annual Builder and Developer Luncheon Slides

By Kalen | Published January 21, 2015

The Des Moines Metro Market Snapshot is a quarterly report featuring inventories of new construction and existing single-family homes in the 18 communities I track for Peoples Company. My reports cover the residential housing data and statistics presented during Peoples Company’s Annual Builder & Developer Luncheon, and provide updates on the Des Moines-area market throughout the year. The number of town homes sold in the Des Moines-metro area last year shot up by an impressive 108, compared with 2013, as total sales of single-family homes decreased by 1 percent. Interestingly, inventories of single-family homes remain very low in the Des Moines market after decreasing steadily for several years. There were only 2,342 of these properties on the market heading in […]

By Kalen | Published October 27, 2014

Interest rates are always an important topic to my buyers and sellers. Today is an amazing time to lock into an interest rate, as rates are again at historically low levels. In 2014, we have seen rates slightly rise to around 4.25 percent, and then recently keep dropping again to very low levels. A 30-year fixed rate starts at 3.75 percent, and a 15-year rate starts at 2.875 percent. Talking to a local lender, Bryan Rowland at State Savings Bank, he mentioned that the recent fear of a weakening global economy as well as the Ebola and ISIS scares has more people moving more money into U.S. Treasury market. Increasing demand for U.S. Treasuries decreases mortgage interest rates. Most would not […]

By Kalen | Published October 10, 2014

The Des Moines Metro Market Snapshot is a quarterly report featuring inventories of new construction and existing single-family homes in the 18 communities I track for Peoples Company. My reports cover the residential housing data and statistics presented during Peoples Company’s Annual Builder & Developer Luncheon, and provide updates on the Des Moines-area market throughout the year. Sales of single-family homes slowed a bit in August and September following a robust spring and early summer as buyers and sellers focused their attention on end-of-summer vacations, back to school preparations and seasonal pastimes such as the Iowa State Fair. Sales of existing homes have been more attractive for some buyers this year as the average new construction sale price has continued […]

By admin | Published October 08, 2014

The Des Moines Metro Market Snapshot is a quarterly report featuring inventories of new construction and existing single-family homes in the 18 communities I track for Peoples Company. My reports cover the residential housing data and statistics presented during the Annual Builder & Developer Luncheon, and provide updates on the Des Moines-area market throughout the year. Home sales have remained steady in Greater Des Moines Area over the last 12 months with the strength of both market and consumer confidence growing more resolute than at any time in recent years as interest rates remain low for buyers! New construction home sales, both pending and sold, were relatively flat on a year-over-year basis. Foreclosures are down to the pre-crisis levels of […]

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Kalen Ludwig sold our old home last year and helped us find and buy our forever home. She was so attentive and detailed-oriented through the entire process, hand-holding us through every step. I think what makes Kalen unique is that she consistently fights for the best interests of her clients, gives them excellent advice, and maintains a cool and calm demeanor though very tough negotiations. I loved working with Kalen and always recommend her to all my family and friends who are thinking about selling and/or buying a home!"

Anisha and Brad C.

Kalen was our realtor this past July to help my wife and I find our first home. She did an exceptional job meeting our needs. We explored every option from building to buying new, and fixer uppers. She made the transition into the new home seamless and cannot thank her enough for all her hard work. I would highly recommend Kalen to anyone looking at changing their housing situation. She is very knowledgeable about all areas of real estate. Thanks again Kalen! "

Addison Z.

We had a great experience working with Kalen. She kept the line of communication open throughout the whole process of looking for a house, selling our house, and even since moving into our new house. She will treat you with respect and she has a genuinely great personality. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a realtor. She is not just out to make money, but rather, makes your best interest her top priority."

Justin and Sara W.

I want to thank you for all your help in selling our home. One thing I appreciated the most was you always returned our phone calls. I felt like you had our interest at heart. When there was a few mix-ups on our moving day you were right on it and fixed the problem. Richard and I enjoyed working with you, and you know we love to move so I am sure you will be there for us in the future...Again Thank You for all your hard work."